After a solid win last night on the back of a solid 6-inning outing by Jose Berrios and a big 5-run 2nd inning, the Blue Jays were looking to make it two wins in a row and three seies wins to start the 2022 season. Taylor Saucedo was recalled and Anthony Kay was optioned to AAA. Not surprisingly, George Springer was not in the lineup after leaving yesterday's game with a forearm contusion after being struck by a fastball. Kevin Gausman got the start with Zack Collins behind the plate. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. got the half day off as DH with Raimel Tapia in LF. Bradley Zimmer was in CF and Cavan Biggio got the start in RF. Vlad was back in the field after DH'ing yesterday. Gosuke Katoh got the start at 2B. Could the Blue Jays make it two in a row? Here is today's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 3rd as Bo Bichette singled scoring Gosuke Katoe
- A batter later, Raimel Tapia scored on a sac fly by Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
- Tanner Houck pitching line: 5IP 3H 2R (both earned) 1BB 4K 71 pitches (47 for strikes)
- The Blue Jays added a run in the top of the 6th as Matt Chapman singled home Guerrero Jr.
- The Red Sox got one back in the top of the 9th as Xander Bogaerts doubled home Trevor Story
- A batter later, Rafael Devers scored on a ground out hit by Alex Verdugo
- Kevin Gausman pitching line: 8IP 7H 1R (earned) 0BB 8K 88 pitches (70 for strikes)
- Jordan Romano got the final 3 outs for his 7th save of the season
- Final score: Blue Jays 3 Red Sox 2
My Take:
- Kevin Gausman was lights out and efficient. He fired 8 innings, allowing 1 run on 7 hits while walking none and striking out 8. He had tthrown an efficient 87 pitches after 8 innings. He was sent out to try and complete the game in the 9th, but was removed after Trevor Story singled on the 1st pitch. Had it been a couple of years ago when the Blue Jays didn't have a reliable closer, Gausman might have stayed in the game. However, Jordan Romano has been Mr. Automatic. If Gausman can pitch like that most nights, the loss of Robbie Ray to free agency will soon be forgotten.
- Jordan Romano certainly had to work to keep his saves streak alive. Before he could record an out, Romano walked a batter and allowed a run-scoring double putting the tying run on 2nd. With 2 out, Jackie Bradley Jr. worked a full count then hit a sharp grounder that Vlad deftly fielded then beat Bradley Jr. to the base to end the game. Like starting pitchers, relievers have days where they don't have their best stuff and today was the day Romano had to battle.
- Vlad was the offensive star, driving in one run and scoring another.
- Vlad, Raimel Tapia and Matt Chapman were a combined 7-13 with 1 run scored and 2RBI
- Up next, the Blue Jays head to Houston to take on the Astros. Hopefully George Springer will recover enough to at least DH against his former team tomorrow. Springer missed all 6 games vs. Houston due to a nagging quad injury last season. Ross Stripling starts against Astros ace and Blue Jays killer Justin Verlander, who had a no-hitter against the Blue Jays in 2011.
